Portable display device

ABSTRACT

A portable display device is provided in which two display panels are joined to each other to form a single screen when two panel housings are unfolded from a folded state. The portable display device includes at least two panel housings and display panels that are mounted on the panel housings, respectively. When the panel housings are unfolded, the display panels are joined to each other to form a single screen. The distance between the display panels when the display panels are contiguous to each other is less than 3 mm and the distance between input units or between input sensors is less than 3 mm.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.13/809,355, filed Jan. 9, 2013, which is the national stage ofInternational Application No. PCT/KR2011/002980, filed Apr. 25, 2011 inthe World Intellectual Property Office, which claims the benefit ofpriority to Korean Application No. 10-2010-0066332, filed Jul. 9, 2010in the Korean Intellectual Property Office. All disclosures of thedocuments named above are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a structure for using two displaypanels as a single screen, and more particularly, to a structure forallowing panel housings to be unfolded from a folded state and stronglymounting display panels and input units on the panel housings.

2. Description of the Related Art

In order to enlarge a screen of a portable display device, two displaypanels can be joined to each other to form a single screen. Various flatdisplay panels such as an LCD, an OLED, an FED, a PDP, and an electronicpaper can be used for this purpose. This principle can be applied to anyflat panel display device.

The portable display device includes plural panel housings that can befolded and unfolded and plural display panels mounted on the panelhousings, respectively, and has a structure in which the display panelsare contiguous to each other when the display panels are unfolded.

The area of a joint which is a non-display area formed between thedisplay panels can be minimized by effectively designing sides of thedisplay panels. That is, the joint is minimized by disposing the displaypanels, one side of which is effectively designed, to be contiguous toeach other.

However, a strong shaft structure is required for effectively foldingand unfolding the display panels of the portable display device and thusthere is a need for a structure design for the strong shaft structure.The portable display device needs to further include an optical memberfor minimizing the joint and an input unit to be mounted thereon.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Technical Problem

An object of the invention is to provide a portable display device inwhich two display panels are joined to serve as a single screen whenpanel housings are unfolded, and a structure and a design of displaypanels and input units.

Solution to the Problem

According to an aspect of the invention, a portable display device maycomprise at least two panel housings and at least two display panels,wherein at least one display panel is mounted on each of the panelhousings, wherein the display panels are joined to each other to serveas a single screen, and wherein, when the display panels are contiguousto each other, the distance between the display panels is less than 3 mmand the distance between input units or between input sensors is lessthan 3 mm.

In the portable display device, the panel housing may be capable ofbeing folded and unfolded, and the panel housings may be unfolded from afolded state. The portable display device may further include a terminalcapable of performing a near field communication.

Advantageous Effects of the Invention

According to an aspect of the invention, it is possible to provide aportable display device in which two display panels are joined to serveas a single screen when panel housings are unfolded, and to furtherprovide a structure in which input units or optical members can bereliably mounted on panel housings.

Additional aspects and/or advantages of the invention will be set forthin part in the description which follows and, in part, will be obviousfrom the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

These and/or other aspects and advantages of the invention will becomeapparent and more readily appreciated from the following description ofthe embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings ofwhich:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a foldable type portable displaydevice according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 3 to 9 are diagrams illustrating an input unit and a display panelaccording to various embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram specifically illustrating a boundary of displaypanels according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a structure on which displaypanels, input units, or optical members are arranged according to twopossible embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere optical members are provided.

FIGS. 15 and 16 are diagrams illustrating another embodiment of theinvention where display panels and components are arranged.

FIGS. 17 to 21 are diagrams illustrating embodiments of the inventionwhere an input unit and optical members are disposed on display panels.

FIGS. 22 to 27 are diagrams illustrating the structure of a displaymodule according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 28 to 36 are diagrams illustrating a mounting structure of panelhousings according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 37 and 38 are diagrams illustrating panel housings on which acover or a frame is mounted according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 39 to 43 are diagrams illustrating mask prints according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention where aframe is formed around a shaft.

FIGS. 45 and 46 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere a side wall extends from the frame.

FIGS. 47 to 49 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere a cover and a frame have a side wall portion.

FIGS. 50 to 54 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere an optical member is disposed on an input unit.

FIGS. 55 and 66 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere an optical member is disposed between a display panel and an inputunit.

FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating a Y value according to an embodimentof the invention.

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention wherean optical member is disposed in an input unit.

FIGS. 59 to 61 are block diagrams of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart of the process of an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 63 to 67 are diagrams illustrating an input method according to anembodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 68 to 70 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere a portable display device can be controlled in wired and wirelessmanners.

FIGS. 71 to 79 are diagrams illustrating near field communicationaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 80 to 85 are diagrams illustrating embodiments of the inventionwhere folded display panels are unfolded to be contiguous to each other.

FIGS. 86 to 91 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the inventionwhere display panels are located outside when a display device isfolded.

FIGS. 92 to 95 are diagrams illustrating a method of coupling two panelhousings according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 96 to 99 are diagrams illustrating embodiments of the inventionwhere three display panels and three panel housings are provided.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Reference will now be made in detail to the present embodiments of thepresent invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanyingdrawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to the like elementsthroughout. The embodiments are described below in order to explain thepresent invention by referring to the figures.

Aspects of the invention provide a portable display device in which atleast two flat display panels are joined to each other to form a singlescreen. Possible flat display panels include but are not limited to anLCD, an OLED, an FED, a PDP, and an electronic paper. The principle ofthe invention can be applied to any display panel as long as it has aflat panel shape.

The following embodiments should not be viewed as limiting the scope ofthe invention, but merely as examples thereof.

Embodiment 1

FIGS. 1 and 2 are diagrams illustrating a foldable type portable displaydevice according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 1, a foldable type portable displaydevice includes two display panels 2 and 4 and two panel housings 20 and40 on which the display panels are mounted, respectively. The panelhousings 20 and 40 include circuits or components used to drive or mountthe display panels.

The two panel housings 20 and 40 are joined to each other withconnection shafts 61 and 62 so as to be foldable and unfoldable. Theconnection shafts employ a general shaft, and a hinge type may be used.

Additionally, according to the embodiment of FIG. 2, an auxiliarydisplay panel 30 may be mounted on an outer surface when the displaydevice is folded. The auxiliary display panel 30 may also be protectedwith a protective window.

A button type key input unit 100 for inputting characters or numerals isfurther disposed on the outer surface.

A side cover 50 is disposed on the side surface of the panel housings 20and 40 which are folded. The side cover 50 covers the side surface ofthe display panels when the panel housings are folded. The side cover 50also protects the side surface of an input unit when the input unit ismounted on the panel housings.

The side cover 50 is effective when protection means 14 for protectingthe side surfaces of the display panels (to be depicted in laterfigures) is formed thinly.

FIGS. 3 to 9 are diagrams illustrating an input unit and a display panelaccording to various embodiments of the invention.

Display devices can be classified into at least three types: an out-celltype in which an input unit 200 and a display panel 2 are separated fromeach other with a fixed gap interposed therebetween as shown inembodiment (A) of FIG. 3, an on-cell type in which the input unit 200 islocated directly on the top of the display panel 2 as shown inembodiment (B) of FIG. 3, and an in-cell type in which a micro sensor207 is inserted into the display panel 2 as shown in embodiment (C) ofFIG. 3. Other configurations may also be possible without departing fromthe scope of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an in-cell type embodiment, where apixel of the display panel 2 is shown. The pixel includes three subpixels of R (Red), G (Green), and B (Blue). A TFT (Thin Film Transistor)along with a sensor is disposed in a part of the pixel.

(A) of FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where a microoptical sensor 207 is built in the pixel. That is, the pixel includesthe TFT and the micro optical sensor 207.

The optical sensor 207 is connected to an X line 207 b and a Y line 207c, and thus the coordinates of a sensor sensing light in the displaypanels 2 and 4 can be acquired.

(B) of FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where a sensor ofa micro switch 207 a type is built in a pixel. When a pressure isapplied to a substrate of the display panel 2, the micro switch 207 a ofthe portion to which the pressure is applied is turned on.

Similarly to the optical sensor 207, the micro switch 207 a is alsoconnected to an X line 207 b and a Y line 207 c, and thus thecoordinates of a sensor sensing pressure in the display panels 2 and 4can be acquired.

In these embodiments of the invention, since a micro sensor is disposedin each pixel of the display panels, a set of the micro sensors disposedin a first display panel is referred to as a first input sensor and aset of the micro sensors disposed in a second display panel is referredto as a second input sensor. The first input sensor has a fixed area andthe second input sensor also has a fixed area.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating embodimentsof an input unit, where (A) of FIG. 5 shows a capacitance type and (B)of FIG. 5 shows a resistive film type.

According to embodiment (A) of FIG. 5, an electrode plate 241 coatedwith a transparent electrode is disposed below a protective plate 240,and the electrode plate 241 includes one or two films coated with atransparent electrode.

According to embodiment (B) of FIG. 5, two films 241 a and 241 b coatedwith a transparent electrode are disposed above the protective plate 240with a fixed gap held therebetween.

A protective film (or a decoration plate) 240 a may be further disposedon the top of the input unit. The protective film 240 a is coated with adesired pattern.

FIG. 6 is a cross-section illustrating a display panel according to anembodiment of the invention, where pixel electrodes are located closerto the joint 8. That is, an active area which is a display area islocated closer to the joint.

The portable display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 6 is anOLED type, and a cross-section thereof is shown. However, similarprinciples, including the distance between the boundary of the displaypanel and a closest pixel 2 n in the joint 8 can be applied to all flatpanel display devices.

In the embodiment of FIG. 6, each of the display panels 2 and 4 includesan insulating layer 53, electrodes 54, a coating electrode 58, and anorganic multi-layered film 53 on a substrate 51, and may further includea moisture-absorbing layer 56 into which separation films 57 areinserted.

The substrate 51 is covered with a cover substrate 52. A partition wall2 f may be formed of a sealant such as an adhesive, and the partitionwall may be formed through different processes or may be formed of thesubstrates 51 and 52.

When the display panel 2 is mounted on the chassis 16, the chassis 16may cover only the side surface of the display panel in the joint or maycover only an upper part P of the display panel corresponding to anon-display area.

As already noted, this structure of the joint is not limited only to theOLED type, but can be applied to all types of flat panel displaydevices.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a joint 8 and surroundings according toone embodiment of a display panel. The display panels 2 and 4 should bedesigned to reduce the joint (non-display area).

When a pixel 2 n closest to the joint 8 is considered as shown in FIG.7, the distance J between the closest pixel 2 n and the partition wall 2f is set to be less than 1 mm. The value of J may be 0 mm.

The thickness K of the partition wall 2 f is set to be in a range of0.01 mm to 1 mm. The distance between the pixel 2 n closest to the jointand the boundary 2 g of each display panel 2 or 4 is set to 2 mm orless.

The partition wall 2 f generally indicates the boundary edge portionbetween the inside and the outside of each display panel 2 or 4.

The display panels 2 and 4 and relevant components (including but notlimited to a backlight unit or driving circuit components) are mountedon the chassis 16. The chassis is formed of metal such as aluminum oralloy or plastic material.

The width of the chassis 16 in the joint 8 is set to a range of 0.01 mmto 1 mm.

The boundary 2 g of the display panel and the boundary of the partitionwall 2 f do not have to be matched with each other, and the partitionwall 2 f may be disposed within 0.5 mm from the boundary 2 g.

That is, the width of the non-display area of the joint 8 in thisembodiment of the invention is the total sum of the value of J, thevalue of K, and the thickness of the chassis 16. The maximum of thisvalue is 3.0 mm, 6 mm when two display panels are joined to each other.

The chassis 16 in the joint 8 may be opened.

FIG. 8 is an enlarged view of a joint of an input unit of a capacitancetype embodiment. According to the embodiment of FIG. 8, the distancebetween the boundary 223 a of an active area 223 which is an input areaand the boundary 250 g of the input unit is set to less than 3 mm andmay be set to less than 2 mm.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged view of a joint of an input unit of a resistivefilm type embodiment.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 9, the gap M between the bus 250 nand the partition wall 250 f in the joint 8 is set to be less than 1 mm,and the thickness L of the partition wall 250 f is set to a range of0.01 mm to 1 mm. The gap M may be 0 mm.

The partition wall is used to couple conductor films or other plates inthe input units to each other.

The distance between an electrode line 250 n and the boundary 250 g ofthe input unit 200 (or 400) is set to be less than 2 mm. Alternatively,the distance between the boundary of the active area 250 a and theboundary 250 g of the input unit 200 (or 400) is set to be less than 2mm (or less than 2 mm).

The boundary 250 g of the joint 8 and the boundary of the partition wall250 f do not have to be matched with each other, and the partition wall250 f may be disposed within 0.5 mm from the boundary 250 g.

In the embodiment of FIG. 9, the input unit 200 or 400 is formed of aflat plate of plastic or glass, and can comprise all types of inputunits receiving information through the flat plate.

FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the boundary between the displaypanels, according to an embodiment of the invention. Details are shownin the enlarged circle.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 10, the non-display area in thejoint 8 includes the side walls of the panel housings 20 and 40,protective films 14 and 16 (where the side walls of the chasses ormembers may be used instead of the protective films), and the partitionwalls 2 f and 4 f. The non-display area for display panel 2 isrepresented by B in the drawing and the entire non-display area doublesthe area of B.

In another embodiment (not depicted), the side walls of the panelhousings 20 and 40 may be removed leaving only the protective film 14.

The thickness of the protective film 14 is generally set to be less thanor equal to 0.5 mm though it may be set to be less than or equal to 1 mmin some cases.

The thickness of the partition wall is generally set to be less than orequal to 1 mm, preferably to be less than or equal to 0.5 mm, and morepreferably to be less than or equal to 0.3 mm.

The distance between the partition walls 2 f or 4 f and the closestpixels 2 n or 4 n is set to a range of 0.1 mm to 0.3 mm.

In the joint 8, the display panel may be in close contact with the sidewall of the panel housing or the distance between the display panel andthe side wall of the panel housing may be set to be less than 1 mm.

In this embodiment of the invention, the distance between the displaypanels 2 and 4 and the distance between the input units 200 and 400 areminimized. A structure in which a micro sensor is built in each pixel ofthe display panels 2 and 4, instead of using the input units 200 and400, may also be employed. That is, in the case of an embodiment with anin-cell type input unit, the distance between the micro sensors in thejoint 8 can be minimized.

A sensing area for sensing an input in the input units or the inputsensors can be considered.

Therefore, when an area in the first display panel 2 is defined as afirst sensing area and an area in the second display panel 4 is definedas a second sensing area, the distance between the first sensing areaand the second sensing area in the joint 8 is not greater than the widthof the non-display area. An error therebetween may be less than 1 mm.

Embodiment 2

FIGS. 11 and 12 are diagrams illustrating a structure in which displaypanels and input units or optical members are arranged, according to twopossible embodiments of the invention.

The optical members in the embodiments of FIGS. 11 and 12 are opticalplates having a function of reducing a non-display area in the boundaryportion between two display panels. A lens, a micro lens, a micro prism,or any other structure which refracts light can be used as an opticalmember. That is, any means for shifting an optical path of light to theboundary of the display panels can be used as optical members.

FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the distancebetween the display panels and the distance between the input units areequal to each other.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 11, a part defined as “V” isdisposed between the display panels 2 and 4 or between the input units200 and 400. This part “V” may be protective member such as a film,which protects the side surfaces of the display panels and the sidesurfaces of the input units.

Alternatively, the part “V” may have a thickness similar to that of theside walls 20 and 40 of the panel housings, and may form a body alongwith the side walls of the panel housings. The thickness of the part “V”is set to be less than 1.5 mm.

When the part “V” is a protective film, the protective film may beformed of metal or resin. When the protective film is formed of resin,the resin film is coated with metal or inorganic material. In this case,the thickness of the part “V” as the protective film is preferably setto a range of 0.005 mm to 0.5 mm. When the protective film is formed ofmetal, the thickness is preferably set to a range of 0.2 mm to 1.5 mm,

On the other hand, the protective film may be a coating film formed onthe side surfaces of the display panels or on the side surfaces of theinput units. In this case, the thickness thereof may be set to be lessthan several tens of micro meters.

The distance between the part “V” and the display panels may be set to 0mm or may be set to about 1.5 mm.

Therefore, when the thickness of the part “V” is 1.5 mm and the panelhousings are unfolded, the distance between the display panels and thedistance between the input units are 3 mm. However, even when thethickness of the part “V” does not reach 1.5 mm, the distance betweenthe display panels and the distance between the input units may be 3 mm.In this case, there is a gap between the part “V” and the display panelsand there is a gap between the part “V” and the input units.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the distancebetween the input units is smaller than the distance between the displaypanels.

When a part disposed between the input units 200 and 400 is defined as“V1” and a part disposed between the display panels 2 and 4 is definedas “V2”, the thickness of the part “V1” is smaller than the thickness ofthe part “V2”.

The parts “V1” and “V2” may form a body along with the side walls of thejoint of the panel housings 20 and 40.

Alternatively, only the part “V2” may form a body along with the sidewall of the joint of the panel housings 20 and 40, and the part “V1” mayform a separate protective film or protection means. When the part “V1”is a protective film or protection means, the protection means or theprotective film described in the embodiment of FIG. 11 is employed.

As yet another alternative, the parts “V1” and “V2” may both formprotection means separated from the panel housings.

The maximum thickness of the part “V2” is set to be less than 1.5 mm,and the thickness of the part “V1” may be set even smaller. That is,when the distance between the display panels 2 and 4 is less than 3 mm,the distance between the input units 200 and 400 may be smaller than thedistance between the display panels.

The thickness of the part “V1” may be 0 mm. That is, when the panelhousings are unfolded, the input units 200 and 400 may come in contactwith each other. Since the input units 200 and 400 may include aprotective plate 240 (see FIG. 5), this structure can be embodied byforming the protective plate out of reinforced glass or crystal.

Embodiment 3

FIGS. 13 and 14 show an embodiment where an optical member is provided.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 13, parts “V3” and “V4” are disposedbetween the optical members 27 and between the display panels 2 and 4and serve to protect the side surfaces of the display panels and theoptical members. The parts “V3” and “V4” may be formed in a body alongwith the side walls of the panel housings 20 and 40, only the part “V4”may be formed in a body along with the panel housings, or both parts maybe formed as protective members separated from the panel housings 20 and40.

The protective members are formed of transparent or opaque plastic resinor metal such as alloys.

The possible thickness of the part “V4” is the same as that of part “V2”in the embodiment of FIG. 12, and the possible thickness of the part“V3” is the same as that of part “V1”. That is, the distance between thedisplay panels is preferably 3 mm and the distance between the opticalmembers 27 is less than 3 mm.

FIG. 14 shows an embodiment where protection means 14 is disposedbetween the display panels 2 and 4 and between the optical members 27.According to the embodiment of FIG. 14, the distance between the displaypanels 2 and 4 is equal to the distance between the optical members 27.

As shown FIG. 14, protective films are used as the protective means 14to reduce the distance as much as possible. The thickness of theprotective film is less than 0.5 mm, that is, the same as that of part“V” in the embodiment of FIG. 11.

Embodiment 4

FIGS. 15 and 16 show another embodiment of the arrangement of thedisplay panels and the components.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 15, the thicknesses of the panelhousings 20 and 40 (which mean display device cases in the invention)may be different from each other.

Out of two display panels 2 and 4, a bottom plate (which is indicated by“0” in the drawing) of the panel housing 20 is located just below onedisplay panel 2 and a main controller, a central processing unit, and abattery are disposed below the other display panel 4.

The input units 200 and 400 or the optical members 27 are disposed abovethe display panels 2 and 4.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 16, a gap exists between the bottomplate and the display panel. The gap may be 0 when the bottom plate isdisposed just below the display panel 2, but a fixed distance may beprovided therebetween. The distance “S” is preferably set to be lessthan 2.0 mm.

Although not shown in the drawing, a display panel support or asheet-like shock absorbing plate absorbing impact may be inserted intothe gap between the display panel and the bottom plate. In FIG. 15, bycontrast, only a support 26 is shown.

Embodiment 5

FIGS. 17 to 21 show embodiments where an input unit and an opticalmember are disposed on a display panel.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show an embodiment where the optical members 27 aredisposed on the display panels 20 and 40 and the input units 200 and 400are disposed thereon.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 17, a part “V5” is disposed betweenthe display panels 2 and 4, between the optical members 27, and theinput units 200 and 400.

The possible thickness and material of the part “V5” are the same asthat of part “V” in the embodiment of FIG. 11.

FIG. 18 shows an embodiment where protection means having a differentthickness is provided. According to the embodiment of FIG. 18, a part“V6” is disposed on the side surfaces of the display panels 2 and 4 anda part “V7” is disposed on the side surface of the input units 200 and400 and the optical members 27.

The possible materials and thicknesses of the parts “V6” and “V7” arethe same as those of parts “V1” and “V2” in the embodiment of FIG. 12.The distance between the input units is smaller than the distancebetween the display panels, and the distance between the optical membersis smaller than the distance between the display panels.

According to FIG. 18, the part “V7” can be separated into a part “V7-1”disposed on the side surfaces of the input units 200 and 400 and a part“V7-2” disposed on the side surfaces of the optical members 27. Thethicknesses of the parts “V7-1” and “V7-2” may be different from eachother.

FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating the side surface of the protectionmeans according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 19, the outer surface (which isindicated by an arrow in the drawing) of the protection means or theprotective film protecting the sides surfaces of the display panels 2and 4, the input units 200 and 400, and the optical members 27 may becoated with a colorant.

That is, a color film may be attached to the outer surface (which isindicated by an arrow in the drawing), or the outer surface may becoated with a colorant. The same color as the panel housings may beselected.

FIGS. 20 and 21 show embodiments where the optical member is disposed onthe uppermost surface.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 20, a part “V8” is the same as part“V5” in the embodiment of FIG. 17, except that the optical members 27are disposed on the top of the input units 200 and 400.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 21, parts “V9” and “V10” are thesame as parts “V7” and “V6” in the embodiment of FIG. 18, except thatthe positions of the optical members 27 and the input units 200 and 400are exchanged.

The distance between the display panels 2 and 4, the distance betweenthe optical members 27 and 27, and the distance between the input units200 and 400 are the same as in the above embodiments.

The part “V10” can be separated into a part “V10-1” disposed on the sidesurfaces of the optical members 27 and a part “V10-2” disposed on theside surfaces of the input units. The thicknesses of the parts “V10-1”and “V10-2” may be different from each other.

Embodiment 6

FIGS. 22 to 27 are diagrams illustrating the structure of a displaymodule according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a possible arrangement of the displaypanels and the input units. FIG. 22 shows an on-cell type embodiment(see FIG. 3), where the input units 200 and 400 are disposed just abovethe display panels 2 and 4. The same principle may be applied to anout-cell type.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 22, flexible printed circuits (FPC)2 c, 4 c, and 250 c are disposed to connect the display panels and theinput devices to connectors 2 d, 4 d, and 250 d. The FPCs 2 c, 4 c, and250 c are disposed on a side opposite to the joint.

The connector 250 d of the input unit 200 can be electrically connectedto junctions 2 e and 4 e of the display panels 2 and 4. Accordingly,both the display panels 2 and 4 and the input units 200 and 400 can becontrolled by a main unit (including a central processing unit and thelike).

The display signal line FPC may be located on the side opposite to thejoint, or the signal line (FPC) of the input unit 200 may be located onone side among three sides other than the joint 8.

FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a possible electrode structure of adisplay panel.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 23, when four sides of the displaypanel are defined as first, second, third, and fourth sides and thefirst side is used as the joint, a driver 2 k is mounted on the thirdside opposite to the joint.

When a signal supply line 2 i connected to a panel electrode 2 f isdrawn out from the second side or the fourth side, the signal supplyline is connected to the third side via the edge of the display panel.The signal supply line drawn out from the third side is connected to thethird side.

Accordingly, signals can be sent to the display panel through the use ofonly the driver 2 k mounted on the third side.

FIGS. 24 to 26 are diagrams illustrating other embodiments of thedisplay panel.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 24, when the first side is used asthe joint, the driver 2 k is disposed on the fourth side. When the jointis disposed on the right side (left side in some cases), the driver 2 kis disposed on the upper side or the lower side.

When a signal supply line 2 i connected to a panel electrode 2 f isdrawn out from the first side or the third side, the signal supply lineis drawn to the fourth side via the edge of the display panel. Thesignal supply line drawn out from the fourth side is connected to thefourth side.

Accordingly, by mounting the driver on the fourth side, the displaypanel can be driven.

The numbers of signal supply lines drawn out from the first side and thethird side may not be equal to each other. For example, the number ofsignal supply lines drawn out from the third side may be more. This isto further reduce the width of the joint. In some cases, the number ofsignal supply lines drawn out from the first side may be more.

FIG. 25 shows an embodiment which is similar to the embodiment shown inFIG. 24 and in which signal supply lines are drawn out from only thethird side and no signal supply line is drawn out from the joint (thefirst side).

According to the embodiment of FIG. 25, a signal supply line 2 i is anelectrical wire connected to the driver 2 k so as to supply a drivesignal therefrom. In the invention, the electrode 2 f may be a pixelelectrode supplying a drive signal to a TFT (Thin Film Transistor).

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where two display panelsare arranged. FIG. 26 shows an in-cell type embodiment in which thejoint 8 is located on the right side (left side in some cases) and theFPCs 2 c and 4 c or the external connectors 2 d and 4 d connected to thedriver are located on the lower side (upper side in some cases).Similarly, the FPC 250 c and the connector 250 d for connection of theinput unit are located on the lower side. The connector for connectionof the input unit may be mounted on three sides other than the joint.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 26, the driver is installed on oneselected side of the display panel. For example, the driver may bedisposed on two sides out of three sides other than the joint.

FIG. 27 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where a display panel ismounted on a chassis.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 27, the display panel 2 is mountedon the chassis 16, and the connectors and the signal lines are not shownfor the purpose of convenience.

A fixing portion 16 c is disposed in the chassis 16 so as to stronglyfix the chassis to the panel housing 20. Two display panels aresymmetric in a state where they are mounted on the chasses.

Embodiment 7

FIGS. 28 to 36 are diagrams illustrating a mounting structure of thepanel housings 20 and 40, according to the embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 28 shows an on-cell type embodiment.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 28, the display panels 2 and 4 andthe input units 200 and 400 are mounted on the panel housing in a statewhere an input unit is located just on a display panel.

As shown in the drawing, the display panel 2 or 4 is mounted on thepanel housing, and the result is covered with a cover frame 24 having ashape in which one side of a rectangle is opened. That is, the edgeswhich are a non-display area of the display panel 2 or 4 is covered withthe cover frame. Input buttons 110 or a speaker 101 may be mounted onthe cover.

FIGS. 29 to 32 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where an inputunit is mounted on the cover frame.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 29 and 30, the cover frame 24 has ashape in which one side of a rectangle is opened, and the joint 8 islocated on the opened side.

The input unit includes signal supply lines 250 c and a connector 250 b.A groove 24 g is formed at a position corresponding to the signal supplylines and the connector.

The input unit 200 is mounted on a support 24 c disposed in the coverframe 24. FIG. 29 is a disassembled view of this embodiment, and FIG. 30is an assembled view in which the input unit is mounted on the support24 c.

When the input unit 200 is mounted on the cover frame 24, the height ofthe surface of the cover frame 24 is larger than the height of thesurface of the input unit 200. The difference therebetween is preferablyset to be less than 1.5 mm.

A cutout 24 k is formed to fit a shaft.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 31, a cover side wall 24 d may beattached to the opened portion (the joint 8) of the cover frame 24. Thecover side wall 24 d protects the side surface of the input unit. Theheight of the cover side wall 24 d may be equal to or less than theheight of the cover frame 24. When the cover side wall is lower than thecover frame, the difference therebetween is preferably set to be greaterthan or equal to 2 mm.

The thickness of the cover side wall 24 d is preferably set to begreater than or equal to 2 mm.

The cover side wall has the same function as the protection means or theside wall of the panel housing in the embodiments of FIGS. 17 to 21. Theheight of the cover side wall 24 d may be equal to the height of thesurface of the cover frame 24. The height of the cover side wall may beequal to the height of the input unit.

The cover frame 24 and the cover side wall 24 d may be formed as asingle body. A shaft is disposed in the cutout 24 k.

FIG. 32 shows an embodiment where the input unit 200 is mounted from thedownside of the cover frame 24. Such a portable display device might notinclude an input unit. In this case, a protective plate is disposed atthe position corresponding to the input unit.

FIGS. 33 to 35 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where an inputunit is mounted on a frame.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 33, a frame 20 b includes a framesupport 20 c and the input unit 200 is mounted on the frame support 20c. Similarly, the frame 20 b has a shape in which one side is opened.The joint 8 is disposed in this opened portion.

A mask print 16 d is formed in the input unit 200 mounted on the frame20 b. The mask print 16 d has an effect of causing the edge of the inputunit to be opaque. The mask print may be formed on a protective filmdisposed on the input unit. The protective film and the input unit maybe formed as a single body.

The mask print 16 d serves to cause the edges other than the edgecorresponding to the joint to be opaque. Holes in which an opening for acamera or a speaker may be located in the mask print.

A cutout 16 f is disposed at both corners (or one corner) of each inputunit 200 or 400. A connection shaft is disposed in the cutout 16 f.

FIG. 34 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the input unit 200is mounted on the frame 20 b, and FIG. 35 is a diagram illustrating anembodiment where a frame side wall 24 d is disposed in the side of theframe 24 corresponding to the joint 8. The thickness of the frame sidewall 24 d is equal to that of the cover side wall described in theabove-mentioned embodiment.

In a display device not including the input unit 200, a protective plateformed of glass or plastic may be disposed in place of the input unit200.

FIG. 36 shows the mounting of the frame on a panel housing, according toan embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 36, the cover frame 24 including theinput unit 200 is mounted on the panel housing 20. When a shaft isdisposed in the panel housing, the cover frame 24 includes cutouts 24 k.

The opened side of the cover frame 24 is located to correspond to thejoint 8 of the display panel 2.

The opened side of the frame 20 b and the joint of the input unit 200are located to correspond to the joint 8 of the display panel 2.

Embodiment 8

FIGS. 37 and 38 are diagrams illustrating panel housings having a coveror a frame mounted thereon, according to embodiments of the invention.

FIG. 37 shows an embodiment where two covers 24 and two input units 200and 400 are mounted. FIG. 38 shows an embodiment where two frames 20 band 40 b are mounted.

According to the embodiments of FIGS. 37 and 38, when two panel housings20 and 40 are unfolded, the display panels 2 and 4 are made to becontiguous to each other and the input units 200 and 400 on the displaypanels are made to be contiguous to each other.

The panel housings 200 and 400 can be folded and unfolded through theuse of a shaft 6.

FIGS. 39 to 43 are diagrams illustrating mask prints according toembodiments of the invention.

FIG. 39 shows an embodiment where a mask print 16 d is formed on thejoint 8. The width of the mask print corresponding to the joint islarger than that on the side opposite to the joint. The width of themask print 16 d to be formed on the joint 8 should not be greater than 3mm.

FIGS. 40 and 41 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where buttonsare disposed in a frame.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 40, a button plate 110 is formed inthe frame 20 b and buttons 100 are disposed in the button plate. Thebuttons 100 are connected to a central processing unit 105 to controlthe portable display device.

Cutouts on which a shaft 6 is mounted are formed in the button plate110. The shaft is attached to the button plate and the input units 200and 400.

FIG. 41 shows another embodiment of the mask print 16 d of the inputunit.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 41, when the button plate 110 isprovided, the mask print 16 d may be formed on only the side opposite tothe joint 8 and the upper side in the input unit 200.

The mask print 16 d may be formed in the joint. In this case, the widthof the mask print formed in the joint is set to be less than 3 mm.

FIG. 42 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the mask print 16d is formed on only the side opposite to the joint and a cover 24 isformed on the upper side and the lower side of the frame 20 b.

FIG. 43 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of a structure in whicha shaft is not used. FIG. 43 shows an embodiment of the cover 24, butvarious structures in which no shaft is formed in the frames 20 bdescribed above in the invention can be provided.

FIG. 44 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where a frame is formedaround a shaft.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 44, frames 20 b-1 and 20 b-2 areformed around a shaft. In the frame 20 b of which the side correspondingto the joint 8 is opened, the coupling force between the frame 20 b andthe panel housing 20 in the joint may be weakened. The frame is formedto extend around the shaft for the purpose of the weakening of thecoupling force.

Embodiment 9

FIGS. 45 to 49 are diagrams illustrating embodiments where a side wallis formed in a frame. These figures show a cross-sectional view takenalong a direction B as shown in FIGS. 30 and 34. The cover side wall 24d further extends in direction B.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 45, a joint side wall 24 f extendingfrom the cover side wall 24 d is formed in the joint and an extensionside wall 24 e is formed on the side wall opposite to the joint.

The joint side wall 24 f extending in the joint cover a part or all ofthe side surface of the display panel 2.

Only one of the extension side wall 24 e and the joint side wall 24 fmay be formed.

The extension side wall 24 e may be formed as a single body along withthe cover and the joint side wall 24 f may be formed as a single bodyalong with the cover side wall 24 d.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 46, an extension side wall 20 e anda joint side wall 24 f are formed in the frame 20 b and may have thesame structure as shown in FIG. 45.

FIGS. 47 to 49 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where a side wallis formed in the cover and the frame.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 47 to 49, the sides of the coverframe 24 and the frame 20 b corresponding to the joint may be opened.Accordingly, the coupling force to the panel housing may be weakened andthe frame side wall 24 h is provided to solve this problem. The frameside wall 24 h is formed as a single body along with the frame.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 47, the side wall 24 h is formed inthe cover frame 24.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 48, a display panel is mounted onthe side wall 24 h of the frame 20 b.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 49, a display panel is disposed onthe side surface of the side wall 24 h of the frame 20 b.

The thickness, material, level difference, and the like of the sidewalls of the panel housings 20 and 40 in the joint can be applied to theside wall of the embodiment of FIGS. 45 to 49.

Embodiment 10

FIGS. 50 to 54 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where an opticalmember is disposed on an input unit.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 50, a non-display area (representedby NA in the drawing) is shown in the display panel 2. The non-displayarea of the joint in the portable display device includes thenon-display area NA in the display panel 2 or 4 and a joint portion 20 a(which may further include a chassis or protection means which isexcluded to explain an embodiment where the non-display area isoptically compensated for).

The non-display area of the portable display device is compensated forby the optical member 27.

In FIG. 50, the non-display area of the display panel 2 is compensatedfor.

FIGS. 51 and 52 show an embodiment where the thickness of the protectionmeans 14 b protecting the side surface of the optical member is furtherreduced.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 51, a path L of light is shown.

The non-display area of the display panel 2 and a part of the jointportion 20 a (which may further include the side wall of a panelhousing, protection means, and an extension of a cover or a frame) arecompensated for.

The distance between the display panel and the optical member is definedas Y. Since an image is displayed at the center of the display panel,the distance Y is measured from the center of the display panel. X is avalue compensated for by the optical member. Conclusively, the opticalmember is designed on the basis of the X value and the Y value.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 52, the protection means 14 a forprotecting the side surface of the input unit 200 is formed of atransparent material. Here, a light path L passes through the protectionmeans 14 a for protecting the side surface of the input unit. Then, thedistance X compensated for by the optical member 27 is as shown in thedrawing.

When the protection means 14 a is formed of a transparent material, theside surface (represented by C in the drawing) of the protection meansis coated with a specific colorant or a thin film having a specificcolor. The color with which the side surface of the protection means 14a is coated is preferably similar to the color of the side wall of thepanel housings, but may be different therefrom depending on the design.

The part (represented by a boundary B in the drawing) of the protectionmeans 14 a through which the light path L passes can be formed of atransparent material such as reinforced glass or reinforced plastic andthe other part can be formed of a reinforcement material such as alloy,thereby enhancing the reliability.

FIG. 53 shows an embodiment where the protection means 14 a forprotecting the side surfaces of the input units 200 and 400 is thinner.That is, the protection means 14 b for protecting the side surface ofthe optical member 27 is thinner than the protection means 14 a forprotecting the input unit 200. In this case, the X value and the Y valueare the same as shown.

When the thickness of the protection means 14 b for protecting theoptical member 27 is equal to the thickness of the protection means 14 afor protecting the input unit 200, the X value is X2.

FIG. 54 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the light path Lpasses through the protection means 14 a for protecting the input unit200. In this embodiment, the X value and the Y value are the same.

The protection means 14 a may again be transparent, similarly to theabove-mentioned embodiments.

FIGS. 55 and 56 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where an opticalmember is disposed between a display panel and an input unit.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 55, the thickness of the jointportion 20 a protecting the side surface of the display panel is equalto the thickness of the protection means 14 a for protecting the sidesurface of the input unit. In this case, the X value and the Y value aredetermined as shown.

Alternatively, the thickness of the protection means 14 b for protectingthe side surface of the optical member 27 may be smaller than that ofthe joint portion 20 a. In this case, the X value is X2.

FIG. 56 is a diagram illustrating another embodiment of FIG. 55.According to this embodiment, the thickness of the protection means 14 afor protecting the side surface of the input unit 200 is smaller thanthat of the joint portion 20 a protecting the side surface of thedisplay panel 2. In this case, the X value and the Y value aredetermined as shown.

On the other hand, the thickness of the protection means 14 b forprotecting the optical member may be smaller than that of the protectionmeans 14 a for protecting the side surface of the input unit. In thiscase, the X value is X2.

In this disclosure, the expression “a thickness is equal to anotherthickness” includes an error of ±1 mm. The error is preferably less than±0.1 mm. However, even when the error increases to ±1 mm, it does notmean that it exceeds the scope of the invention.

FIG. 57 is a diagram illustrating an example of the Y value according toan embodiment of the invention.

When the optical member is formed of a single plate, a micro lens havingan optical function may be located on the plate or may be located underthe plate, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 57. Then, the Y value ismeasured up to the bottom of the optical member 27. This may also betrue of the embodiments of FIGS. 50 to 56.

When the thickness of the optical member is less than 0.3 mm or isseveral micrometers, the Y value does not vary, without depending onwhether a tilted structure is located on or under the optical member.

FIG. 58 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where an optical memberis disposed in an input unit.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 58, the optical member can bedisposed in the form of a film in the input unit including severalplates or films. The positions in which the optical member can bedisposed is represented by dotted lines.

That is, a protective plate may be disposed in the input unit and theoptical member may be disposed on the surface of the protecting plate.

Embodiment 11

FIGS. 59 to 61 are block diagrams of a portable display device accordingto an embodiment of the invention.

According to this embodiment, the portable display device includes twodisplay panels 2 and 4 and two input units 250-1 and 250-2, and inputunits are disposed on the display panels.

The input units may employ the input units 200 and 400 described variousprevious embodiments, or may be the input sensor shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 59 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of theportable display device according to an embodiment of the invention andshows a control flow of the display panels and the input units.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 59, a central processing unit 105 isa control unit that controls the overall operation of the portabledisplay device. A ROM 121 controls programs executed by the displaydevice, a RAM 122 stores data generated at the time of executing theprograms, and an EEPROM 123 stores data necessary for a user or datanecessary for processing the data.

The R/F unit 124 tunes an RF channel as a radio frequency, amplifies aninput sound signal, and converts an RF signal received via an antennainto an intermediate frequency signal. An input unit 110 includesvarious input devices, ten keys, a menu key, and a selection key.

Display driving circuits 130 a serve to drive the display panels on thebasis of the output of the central processing unit 105. The first andsecond display panels 2 and 4 display information on the screens on thebasis of the output signal of the driving circuits.

The display device further includes a gravity sensor 235 that determineswhether two display panels 2 and 4 are located vertically orhorizontally. That is, the central processing unit 105 determineswhether two display panels 2 and 4 are arranged vertically orhorizontally on the basis of the input signal from the gravity sensor235. This determination is performed on the basis of the output of thegravity sensor by the use of a predetermined program.

The central processing unit controls the first and second input units250-1 and 250-2 through the use of first and second input unitcontrollers 140-1 and 140-2. That is, since two input units 250-1 and250-2 are disposed, two input unit controllers 140-1 and 140-2 are alsodisposed to control the corresponding input units.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the input unit controllers 140-1 and140-2 are replaced with sensor controllers. The first and second inputunits are replaced with first and second sensors. The first and secondsensors are sets of sensors disposed in the first display panel and thesecond display panel.

FIG. 60 shows another block diagram according to an embodiment of theinvention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 60, a central processing unit or amain controller 105 includes a control unit 110, a memory 120, a timecontroller 125, a display driver 130, and an input unit driver 140.

That is, a single component can be manufactured in which elementsserving as the control unit 110, the memory 120, the time controller125, the display driver 130, and the input unit driver 140 are alldisposed in the main controller 105.

The display driver 130 supplies data, which an image is divided into, tothe first display panel 2 and the second display panel 4. The input unitdriver 140 corrects and adjusts signals to be output to the first inputunit 250-1 and the second input unit 250-2.

To display an image on the display panels 2 and 4, source units 2 b and4 b supplying data signals and gate units 2 c and 4 c supplying lineselection signals are provided.

When dividing an image, a source signal and a gate signal can bedivided. The signals may be divided at a ratio of 1:1, or may be dividedat various ratios such as 2:1, 1.5:1, and 3:1. That is, the number oflines of the first display panel and the number of lines of the seconddisplay panel may be different from each other.

FIG. 61 is a diagram illustrating the input unit driver 140 in detailaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 61, a calibration function executingunit 141 executes a function of calibrating the input units 250 at thetime of starting up the system. A panel (part of the input unit to whichinformation is directly input) signal corresponding to a correctcoordinate value in the input units 250 is selected by the calibrationfunction executed by the calibration function executing unit 141.

That is, the signal of the input unit 250 corresponding to thecoordinate value is selected depending on the resolution (the numbers ofsource and gate lines) of the display panels 2 and 4, and the selectedsignal is supplied to the control unit 110. Accordingly, the controlunit 110 stores and manages the coordinate value corresponding to thepanel signal.

An average detection number adjusting unit 143 adjusts the number oftimes of detecting an average value for the panel signals output fromthe input unit 250 on the basis of the screen resolution information ofthe display panels 2 and 4 supplied from the control unit 110.

An average value detector 142 detects the average value of the panelsignals transmitted from the input units 250 on the basis of the numberof times of detecting an average value, which is adjusted by the averagedetection number adjusting unit 143. The detected average value istransmitted to a panel signal generator 144.

The panel signal generator 144 generates an adjusted panel signal on thebasis of the changed screen resolution of the display panels 2 and 4supplied from the control unit 110 or the position information of thedisplay screen changed by a virtual scroll and the average value of thepresently-input panel signal.

Since there are the first input unit 250-1 and the second input unit250-2 in the invention, the input unit driver 140 performs the signalcontrol on the first input unit 250-1 and the signal control on thesecond input unit 250-2.

That is, under the control of the time controller 125 and the controlunit 110, a switching element 145 alternately connects the first inputunit 250-1 and the second input unit 250-2 to the input unit driver 140.

Instead of using the switching element 145, input unit driverscorresponding to the number of the input units may be provided.

FIG. 61 shows an input unit which is used in an embodiment of theinvention. However, the invention is not limited to the method performedby the input unit in FIG. 61, but can use any method of controlling theinput unit as long as it is a method of controlling the input unit orinput means.

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating the flow of processes according toan embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 62, when the portable display deviceis started up, the main controller 105 is started up to control theunits thereof (400).

Accordingly, the main controller 105 divides an image and transmits thecorresponding image data to the first display panel and the seconddisplay panel (402).

Then, the input unit driver 140 drives the first input unit 250-1. Thatis, information output from the first input unit is controlled (404).The information output from the first input unit is controlled on thebasis of the image display information of the first display panel 2(406).

Similarly, the input unit driver controls the output signal of thesecond input unit (408), and controls the output signal of the secondinput unit on the basis of the image display information of the seconddisplay panel (410).

When a stop command is not given, the main controller again divides animage and drives the respective input units (returning to 402). When astop command is given, such functions are ended (412 and 414).

That is, the input unit driver in the invention controls the informationoutput from the first input unit on the basis of the screen informationof the first display and controls the information output from the secondinput unit on the basis of the screen information of the second display.By causing the input unit driver to repeatedly perform such control, twoinput units can be controlled as if they are a single input unit.

Embodiment 12

FIGS. 63 to 67 are diagrams illustrating an example of an input methodaccording to an embodiment of the invention.

FIGS. 63 and 64 show an embodiment where information is inputted to thesurface of the display panels 2 and 4 of the display device. FIG. 63shows an embodiment where information is inputted in a single-screenmode in which two screens are used as a single screen. FIG. 64 shows anembodiment where information is inputted in a two-screen mode in whichtwo screens are individually used.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 63, a point means a coordinate pointin an input unit which is generated by designating a specific point in ascreen to input information.

Specifically, in (A) of FIG. 63, two or more input points 147 arerecognized and paths 147 a in which the points 147 move are alsorecognized. Even when two points are present in each screen, the pointsare recognized as if they were present in a large single screen.

It is assumed that the screen is reduced when two points move inward andthe screen is enlarged when two points move outward, in accordance witha predetermined program. Then, the central processing unit 105 or thecontrol unit 110 transmit screen information, which indicates that thescreen is enlarged or reduced with the movement 147 a of two points 147,to the display drivers 130 a and 130 a. That is, two screens form asingle screen and the single screen is enlarged or reduced.

In (B) of FIG. 63, a pattern (or an image) 147 b which are present overtwo screens is selected using two points.

It is assumed that the pattern (or image) 147 b is reduced when twopoints used to select the pattern or image move inward and the pattern(or image) is enlarged when two points move outward, in accordance witha predetermined program. Then, the central processing unit 105 or thecontrol unit 110 transmits screen information, which represents that thepattern (or image) is enlarged or reduced with the movement of twopoints 147, to the display drivers 130 a and 130 a.

In (C) of FIG. 63, a pattern (or image) 147 b is selected using a point147, and the pattern (or image) 147 b moves along the moving path of thepoint 147 when the point moves.

Similarly, when the movement is programmed, the central processing unit105 or the control unit 110 causes the pattern (or image) 147 b to movewith the movement of the point, as if the movement of the pattern (orimage) 147 b occurred in a single screen.

In (C) of FIG. 63, the point 147 moves horizontally and rotates. At thetime of rotation, the selected pattern (or image) 147 b can be made torotate.

In (D) of FIG. 63, a single point 147 moves. Even when the moving path147 a is present over two screens, the point is displayed to move in asingle screen.

When a screen is programmed to change depending on the moving path of apoint, the central processing unit 105 or the control unit 110 transmitsinformation on the previous screen or the subsequent screen based on themovement of the point to the display drivers 130 a and 130 a so as todisplay a screen.

When the moving path 147 a of the point 147 rotates, the screen can alsobe made to rotate.

FIG. 64 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where information isinputted in a two-screen mode.

According to the embodiment of (A) of FIG. 64, when a point 147 moves onone screen, the result is displayed on only one screen along the movingpath 147 a.

On the screen, two points 147 can move inward or outward. The screen canbe reduced or enlarged with the movement of two points. When a pattern(or image) is selected, the selected pattern (or image) 147 b can bereduced or enlarged.

The movement result of the points is displayed on one screen.

According to the embodiment of (B) of FIG. 64, one pattern (or image)147 b is selected on one screen. The pattern (or image) 147 b can movein one screen or can move to the other screen along the moving path 147a of the pattern 147.

FIG. 65 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where the height of theprotection means 14 between two input units 200 and 400 (or twoprotective plates) is defined.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 65, the side walls of the panelhousings 20 and 40 may be used instead of the protection means 14, orthe cover side wall 24 d or the side wall extension 24 a extending fromthe cover frame (or frame) may be used.

That is, the height H1 in the drawing represents the height of theprotection means (the cover side wall or the side wall extension). Inthe invention, when information is inputted onto the display panels 2and 4, an input point moves over two display panels 2 and 4.Accordingly, when the height H1 is excessively large, it causesinconvenience to the information input.

When the protection means (or the side wall or the side wall extension)has a height smaller than that of the input unit (or the protectiveplate), the difference therebetween is defined as H2.

In this embodiment, the value of H1 or H2 is preferably set to be lessthan 2 mm or 3 mm, respectively. Both values are more preferably set to0 mm or a value closer to 0 mm.

FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating the process flow of inputtinginformation through the use of the input unit according to an embodimentof the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 66, when the display device isstarted up (300), the first and second display panels are driven and thefirst and second input units (or input sensors) are controlled (305).

A single-screen mode or a two-screen mode is selected (310).

When a single-screen mode is selected, the first and second displaypanels are combined into a single screen, and a position correspondingto a coordinate value of the combined single screen is compared with acoordinate value input through the input unit (sensor).

In the single-screen mode, it is determined whether the coordinate valueinput through the input unit (or sensor) is a coordinate value in apattern (or image) displayed on the display panels (315).

When the input coordinate value is not located in the pattern (or image)and the input point and the moving path of the input point are locatedin the first and second input units (or sensors), a program is executedas if the information were input through a single input unit, and thescreen moves (320).

When the input coordinate value is located in the pattern (or image) andthe input point and the moving path of the input point are located inthe first and second input units (or sensors), a program is executed asif the information were input through a single input unit (325).

When a pattern is selected in a single-screen mode as described in theabove-mentioned embodiment, the central processing unit or the controlunit executes a predetermined program depending on the number of pointsor the moving path of a point.

When the two-screen mode is selected in 310, a predetermined program isexecuted depending on the selection of a pattern (or image) in thetwo-screen mode, the number of input points, and the moving path thereof(330).

The central processing unit or the control unit transmits a drive signalto the display driver in accordance with the program control result inthe single-screen mode, and the first and second display panels displaythe result as if they were a single screen (335).

On the other hand, when a program is executed using the first and seconddisplay panels as a single screen, a program, determined depending onthe input points and the moving paths of the points, is executed, andthe execution result is displayed on the first and second display panels(340).

Once the program execution result is displayed on the screen, theprocess flow goes to 305 when a stop command is not given (350), and theprocess flow is ended when a stop command is given (355).

FIG. 67 is a diagram illustrating the principle for using two screens asa single screen according to an embodiment of the invention.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 67, the input units or the displaypanels have corresponding coordinate systems. In the invention, sincethe input units or the display panels are actually separated from eachother, the corresponding coordinate systems are separated as shown in(A) of FIG. 67.

When two input units are controlled as a single input unit, thecoordinate systems which are actually separated are connected as shownin (B) of FIG. 67. That is, the control unit or the central processingunit connects the separated coordinate systems and controls informationin a single coordinate system.

Embodiment 13

FIGS. 68 to 70 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where theportable display device can be controlled in wired and wireless manners.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 68, when the display device islarge, a particular terminal 150 serving as a mobile phone may befurther provided. The particular terminal 150 includes an input unit 155allowing numerals or characters to be inputted and a display unit 152displaying simple information.

FIG. 69 is a block diagram illustrating an embodiment where the displaydevice including two screens includes a telecommunication module.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 69, the central processing unit 105shown in the drawing controls two screens as in the embodiments of FIGS.59 and 60. The other components of FIGS. 59 and 60 are not depicted inFIG. 69. A near-field communication unit 241 and an antenna 242 whichare additionally provided are depicted.

The near-field communication unit 241 can be unified with the centralprocessing unit 105 to form a single module.

The particular terminal 150 includes a near-field communication unit 243and an antenna 244 and may further include a RAM, a ROM, and an EEPROM204. A particular central processing unit 203 used to control the memory204, the display unit 152, and the input unit 155 (which may have abutton type or a touch panel type) is provided.

Although not shown in the drawing for the purpose of facilitating theexplanation, a microphone and a speaker for voice communication may befurther provided.

The telecommunication module may be a normal communication module usedto transmit and receive information to and from a wide area network. Thenear-field communication unit 241 may be a communication module forcommunication between the display panels 2 and 4 and the particularterminal 150.

Possible local area networks include but are not limited to allnear-field communication means such as Bluetooth, UWB (Ultra-Wide Band),Zigbee, Wibree, binary CDMA, infrared communication, and RS-232 port.

The central processing unit 203 and the near-field radio communicationunit 243 of the particular terminal 150 may be formed in a module.

At the time of transmitting information, the information is encoded, theencoded information is converted, and the converted information is sentvia the antenna by a signal transmitting unit.

At the time of receiving information, the information received via theantenna is converted into a signal by a signal receiving unit and thesignal is then decoded.

That is, the near-field radio communication units 241 and 243 include asignal transceiver, a signal converter, a signal decoder, and a signalencoder.

A signal distributor instead of the central processing unit 203 may bedisposed in the terminal 150 so as to distribute and send the signaloutput from the radio communication unit 243 to the speaker or thedisplay panel. That is, the central processing unit is not necessarilyprovided.

FIG. 70 is a diagram illustrating an embodiment where atelecommunication module is disposed in the particular terminal.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 70, a signal output from thetelecommunication R/F unit 245 of the particular terminal 150 istransmitted to the central processing unit 203.

Among the information processed by the central processing unit 203 ofthe particular terminal 150, information to be displayed on the twodisplay panels is transmitted to the large-screen display panels 2 and 4via the near-field communication units 241 and 243. Then, the centralprocessing unit 105 controls the display drivers to display theinformation on the display panels 2 and 4.

Information input via the input unit 110 and the input units 250-1 and250-2 shown in the block diagram of FIG. 59 is transmitted to thecentral processing unit 203 of the particular terminal 150 via thenear-field communication units 241 and 243.

The display device including two display panels 2 and 4 may serve asonly a simple monitor. In this case, a signal distributor may beprovided instead of the central processing unit 105 shown in FIG. 59.The information output from the near-field communication unit istransmitted to the corresponding display panel or the correspondingspeaker.

The portable display device may not include the RAM, the ROM, and theEEPROM. In this case, the central processing unit 203 of the particularterminal 150 substantially controls two display panels 2 and 4 and twoinput units 250-1 and 250-2. The RAM, the ROM, and the EEPROM of theparticular terminal 150 serve as high-capacity memories.

In an alternative embodiment, the display device may connect the twodisplay panels and the particular terminal to each other in a wiredmanner, instead of a wireless manner.

Embodiment 14

FIGS. 71 to 79 are diagrams illustrating an example of the near-fieldcommunication according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 71 shows an embodiment of a terminal that can perform near-fieldcommunication with the display device.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 71, a mobile phone 150 and a digitalcamera 180 can perform near-field communication with each other andvarious computers and various terminals can perform near-fieldcommunication with each other. The near-field communication is performedin the same way as in the embodiments of FIGS. 69 and 70.

FIG. 72 shows an embodiment of a menu screen displayed on the displaypanels 2 and 4 of the invention.

That is, as shown in (a) of FIG. 72, a menu screen is displayed in theform of icons and functional names are marked below the correspondingicons. When “networking” is selected from the menu screen, informationon terminals capable of performing near-field communication is displayedon the display panels 2 and 4 as shown in (b) of FIG. 72.

Since two display panels are present, the menu screen is displayed onone display panel and detailed information of the selected icon isdisplayed on the other display panel. That is, program information orstored data of a terminal capable of performing near-field communicationwith the portable display device according to the embodiment of FIG. 72is displayed.

FIG. 73 is a block diagram illustrating multiple configurations of aterminal capable of performing near-field communication with the displaydevice according to an embodiment of the invention.

The display panels 2 and 4 according to the embodiment of FIG. 73 arebased on FIG. 59 and further include a first communication module 124 a,a second communication module 124 b, and a third communication module124 c. These communication modules can be formed as a single module 105a along with a central processing unit. The single module may furtherinclude a memory unit 120. The single module may further include anadditional communication module if necessary.

A terminal 150 embodied in a mobile phone includes a central processingunit 203, an input unit 155, a display panel 152, and a memory unit 204and further includes a first communication module 243 a, a secondcommunication module 243 b, and a third communication module 243 c forcommunications.

In the mobile phone terminal 150, the first communication module may bea mobile-phone communication module such as a CDMA, a GSM, and a TDMAand the second communication module may be a communication modulerelated to high-speed data communication such as a WiFi and a WiBro. Thethird communication module is a communication module related tonear-field communication. The third communication module is not limitedto the near-field communication module described above, but may employany module capable of performing near-field communication.

A terminal embodied in a digital camera 180 includes a centralprocessing unit 181, an input unit 182, a display panel 184, and amechanical units and parts 183. The mechanical units and parts areassociated with a digital camera, are not associated with the subjectmatter of the invention, and thus will not be described in detail.Similarly, the digital camera includes a first communication module 185a, a second communication module 185 b, and a third communication module185 c.

The above-mentioned three terminal embodiments necessarily include thethird communication module capable of performing near-fieldcommunication, but do not necessarily include the first communicationmodule and the second communication module. Other embodiments are alsopossible without departing from the scope of the invention.

Any of these terminals can perform telecommunication through the nearfield communication with a terminal capable of performingtelecommunication.

FIGS. 74 to 79 are flowcharts illustrating process flows of a near-fieldcommunication method according to embodiments of the invention.

FIGS. 74 to 77 are flowcharts illustrating embodiments of process flowsof near-field communication in accordance with programs. According tothe embodiment of FIG. 74, when a terminal is turned on (490), aterminal capable of performing near-field communication through thethird communication module can be recognized (496).

A program system in which a protocol is set up in advance andcommunication environments are set up should be constructed to mutuallyrecognize the terminal capable of near-field communication and this istypically known.

A menu screen indicating the functions as shown in FIG. 72 is displayedon the display panels 2 and 4 (498). When an item is selected from themenu screen (500), a function performing operation is performed. When anitem is not selected from the menu screen, it is determined whether theprocess flow should be stopped (494). When an end button is pressed, theprocess flow is ended (492). Otherwise, the process flow is returned toan execution operation.

When a normal program is selected from the menu screen, the process flowis returned to the initial operation after performing a function (502).When a networking function is selected (504), a networking operation isprepared and the process flow goes to 506.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 75, when a networking function isselected through the use of the input units 200 and 400 of theinvention, a control command corresponding to a coordinate valuedetermined by the input unit driver is carried out and this function isperformed by the input unit driver and the central processing unit 105.The central processing unit 105 displays its results on a terminalcapable of performing near-field communication on the display panels 2and 4 (508).

Here, when a specific terminal, for example the mobile phone terminal150, is selected (510), information on the selected terminal 150 isdisplayed in detail on the display panels 2 and 4.

Details of the selected terminal can be displayed on the basis ofinformation stored in advance through the following process. That is,when information is inputted through the input units 200 and 400, thecentral processing unit 105 processes information and transmits acommand via the third communication module 105 a which is a near-fieldcommunication module.

Then, the third communication module 243 c of the terminal 150 receivesthe information and sends the received information to the centralprocessing unit 203. The central processing unit 203 sends theinformation on the terminal 150 stored in the memory unit 204 to thedisplay panels 2 and 4 of the invention. The central processing unit 105of the display panels 2 and 4 display the information received from theterminal 150 on the display panels 2 and 4.

One of the functions of the terminal 150 displayed on the display panels2 and 4 is performed (514). In this case, a command is inputted throughthe use of the input units 200 and 400. The inputted command istransmitted to the central processing unit 203 of the terminal 150 inthe same way as described in 512 and the central processing unit 203performs the selected program function.

When the program function is performed, the central processing unit 203transmits the result thereof to the central processing unit 105 of thedisplay device via the third communication module. The centralprocessing unit 105 in the invention controls the display driver todisplay the result of the program function on the display panels 2 and 4(516).

The process flow goes to 520 when additional information for executing aprogram is inputted, and the process flow goes to 542 when additionalinformation is not inputted (518).

Subsequently, according to the embodiment of FIG. 76, new informationmay be inputted at the time of inputting the additional information, butinformation stored in the memory unit of the terminal 150 is used (520).That is, when additional information stored in the memory unit 204 inthe terminal 150 is inputted, a program is executed on the basis of theinput information and the execution result is displayed on the displaypanels 2 and 4. Then, the process flow goes to 542.

On the other hand, when data stored in the memory unit 120 of thedisplay panels 2 and 4 of the invention is selected (526), the centralprocessing unit 105 transmits the information selected from the memoryunit 120 to the terminal 150 via the third communication module 124 c(528), and the central processing unit 203 of the terminal 150 executesa program on the basis of the received data. When the execution resultis transmitted to the display panels 2 and 4 of the invention, theexecution result is displayed on the display panels 2 and 4 and theprocess flow goes to 542.

According to the embodiment of FIG. 77, when the third terminal(terminal 180) is designated in 526, the process flow goes to 534. Thatis, when the information stored in the terminal 180 (534), the centralprocessing unit 105 transmits a signal (signal representing that theinformation stored in the terminal 180 is selected) to the terminal 180via the third communication module.

Then, the central processing unit 181 of the terminal 180 transmits theselected information to the terminal 150 via the third communicationmodule 185 c (536). The terminal 150 receives the information via thethird communication module 243 c, executes a program on the basis of thereceived information, and transmits the result to the display panels 2and 4 of the invention (538).

The central processing unit 105 displays the received result on thedisplay panels 2 and 4 (540). Then, the process flow goes to 542.

On the basis of a program end command is given (542), the programexecution result is continuously displayed when the end command is notgiven (544), and the process flow goes to 498 when the end command isgiven.

In the flowcharts and block diagrams described above, a terminal (forexample, 150 or 180) capable of performing near-field communication isfurther provided to the display panels 2 and 4 of the invention, aprogram of the terminal capable of performing near-field communicationcan be controlled and information can be inputted through the use of theinput units 200 and 400 disposed in the display device, the programexecution result of the terminal capable of performing near-fieldcommunication can be displayed on the display panels 2 and 4 of thedisplay device.

When a program of the terminal 150 is performed through the use of theinput units 200 and 400 of the display device, information stored in theterminal 180 capable of performing near-field communication can beselected and utilized.

FIG. 78 is a flowchart illustrating one embodiment of a process flow ofautomatic reception of a near-field communication terminal. According tothe embodiment of FIG. 78, when the display device is started up (550),near-field communication terminals can be mutually recognized (552).This function is enabled by the third communication module capable ofperforming near-field communication, a predetermined protocol, and anopen systems interconnection (OSI) system. Possible OSI systems includebut are not limited to an TCP/IP, an HTTP, and an FTP. In addition,protocols determined to transmit and receive information throughnear-field communication may be used in the invention.

Then, the received data is checked (554). For example, when the terminal150 receives a specific signal or executes a program (556), a signal issent to the display panels 2 and 4 of the invention in accordance with apredetermined rule, and the central processing unit 105 displays thesignal on the display panels 2 and 4 in accordance with a predeterminedrule on the basis of the signal received via the third communicationmodule 124 c (558). When data is not received, the checking operation isperformed again.

For example, when the terminal 150 receives a call, the display panels 2and 4 may be turned on.

When information is inputted through the input units 200 and 400 or theinput unit 110 of the display panels 2 and 4 (560), the inputinformation is transmitted to the terminal 150 (562). The terminal 150executes a program on the basis of the transmitted information again,and this execution result is displayed on the display panels 2 and 4 ofthe display device as shown in the flowchart.

On the other hand, when information is not inputted, the process flow isended (566) or is returned to the received data check operationdepending on whether an end command is given or not.

That is, the display device can automatically display the programexecution result of the terminal capable of performing near-fieldcommunication on the display panels 2 and 4 and can additionally controlthe program execution through the use of the input units 200 and 400 ofthe invention or the input units.

FIG. 79 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a datatelecommunication process. According to the embodiment of FIG. 79, whena power supply is turned on or a start button is pressed (570),terminals capable of performing near-field communication can be mutuallyrecognized through the use of the near-field communication module 124 c(572). The terminals capable of performing near-field communicationinclude the terminal 150, the terminal 180, and other terminals capableof performing near-field communication.

For example, the terminal 150 capable of performing near-fieldcommunication is displayed on the menu screen of the display panels 2and 4 (574) and telecommunication with the terminal 150 is selected(576), detailed information of the terminal capable of performingnear-field communication is displayed and the communication mode of theterminal capable of performing near-field communication is selected(578).

That is, when the second communication module 243 b of the communicationmodules of the terminal 150 is selected through the use of the inputunits 200 and 400 of the display device, the display device can performtelecommunication through the use of the second communication module 243b of the terminal 150.

Although not described herein, a program to be executed when the firstcommunication module of the terminal 150 is selected and a program to beexecuted when the second communication module thereof is selected may bedifferent from each other.

Embodiment 15

FIGS. 80 to 85 are diagrams illustrating embodiments where foldeddisplay panels are unfolded to be contiguous to each other.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 80 to 82, when the panel housings20 and 40 having the display panels 2 and 4 mounted thereon are unfoldedin the horizontal direction (A) from a folded state (FIG. 80), the panelhousings are changed to the state shown in FIG. 81. When the panelhousings further move vertically, the panel housings are changed to thestate shown in FIG. 82. Then, the display panels 2 and 4 are contiguousto each other.

FIGS. 83 to 85 show another embodiment of the display device.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 83 to 85, cover frames 34 and 54having a rectangular shape are provided and have thin left and rightsides and thick upper and lower sides. Similarly to the embodiment ofFIGS. 80 to 82, this display device can be in a folded state (FIG. 83),a horizontally-moved state (FIG. 84), and a display-panel contiguousstate (FIG. 85).

In the various above embodiments, the thickness of the frames on theside in which the display panels are contiguous to each other may besmaller than the thickness in the opposite side.

Embodiment 16

FIGS. 86 to 91 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where displaypanels are directed to the outside when a display device is folded.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 86 and 87, the panel housings 20and 40 having the display panels 2 and 4 mounted thereon are folded soas to direct the surfaces of the display panels to the outside. Thisdisplay device can be in a partially-folded state (FIG. 86) and acompletely-folded state (FIG. 87).

Possible methods of causing the display panels to be contiguous to eachother, of mounting the input units or the protection means, and ofinputting information through the input units (or sensors) have beendescribed previously.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 88 and 89, cover frames 34 and 54having a rectangular shape are provided and have thin left and rightsides and thick upper and lower sides.

FIG. 88 shows a completely-folded state and FIG. 89 shows apartially-folded state. The thickness of the frame on the joint side maybe smaller than that of the frame on the side opposite to the joint.

FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a folded state accordingto an embodiment of the invention. Since the corners come in contactwith each other at the time of folding and unfolding, the corners of thepanel housings are rounded (R).

According to the embodiment of FIG. 91, coupling units 21 and 41 may bedisposed so as to fix the unfolded panel housings to each other. Thecoupling units 21 and 41 may include magnets having N and S poles or mayinclude grooves and protrusions.

A connection shaft 60 has a structure surrounding a first shaft 60 a anda second shaft 60 b disposed in the panel housings 20 and 40. That is,the folding and unfolding operations are carried out using two shafts.

As already shown in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the folding andunfolding operations may be carried out using a single shaft.

Embodiment 17

FIGS. 92 to 95 are diagrams illustrating a method where two panelhousings are coupled according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 92 shows an embodiment where panel housings 20 and 40 havingdisplay panels 2 and 4 mounted thereon, and including coupling means 26and 46 and covers 25 and 45, may be separated from each other. Thecovers 25 and 45 connected to the panel housings with shafts 23 may thenbe opened (FIG. 93), and then the panel housings 20 and 40 may becoupled to each other so as to cause the display panels 2 and 4 to becontiguous to each other (FIG. 94).

FIG. 95 shows an embodiment where cover frames 34 and 54 having arectangular shape are provided and have thin left and right sides andthick upper and lower sides. The thickness of the frame on the jointside may be smaller than that of the frame on the side opposite to thejoint. The two panel housings 20 and 40 may be coupled to each otherwith coupling means without using a cover as shown in the embodiment ofFIG. 85.

Embodiment 18

FIGS. 96 to 99 are diagrams illustrating embodiments where a thirddisplay panel and panel housing are additionally provided.

FIGS. 96 and 97 show one embodiment in which three panel housings 20,40, and 60 having display panels 2, 4, and 6, respectively, can becompletely folded and completely unfolded.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 96 and 97, when the first panelhousing 20 and the second panel housing 40 are folded, the displaypanels 2 and 4 are folded to face the inside. When the second panelhousing 40 and the third panel housing 60 are folded, the display panelsthereof are folded to face the outside.

That is, a structure in which the display panels are folded to face theinside and a structure in which the display panels are folded to facethe outside are alternately arranged. By employing this folding type,four or five or more display panels may be used. Previously disclosedembodiments of joints may be applied to the joint portion represented byJ.

For an embodiment comprising three display panels, FIG. 96 shows apartially-folded state, and FIG. 97 shows a state where the displaypanels are unfolded to be contiguous to each other.

FIGS. 98 and 99 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment where a slidingstructure and a folding structure are combined.

According to the embodiment of FIGS. 98 and 99, the first panel housing20 and the second panel housing 40 are configured to fold and unfold thedisplay panels 2 and 4, and the second panel housing 40 and the thirdpanel housing 60 are configured to slide each other.

FIG. 98 shows a state where the panel housings are partially folded andpartially move in a sliding manner. FIG. 99 shows a state where thefolded display panels are unfolded to be contiguous to each other andthe sliding movement further proceeds. When the second panel housing 40and the third panel housing 60 are completely unfolded, a stateresembling that of FIG. 97 is obtained. Previously disclosed embodimentsof joints may be applied to the joint portion represented by J.

According to various embodiments of the invention, when panel housingsare unfolded, two display panels can be joined to each other to form asingle screen. Structures and designs of display panels and input unitsthereof are also provided.

Although a few embodiments of the present invention have been shown anddescribed, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatchanges may be made in this embodiment without departing from theprinciples and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined inthe claims and their equivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A portable display device comprising: at leasttwo panel housings; at least two display panels; and an input units forinputting information and installed on the display panels; wherein atleast one display panel is mounted on each of the panel housings,wherein the display panels are joined to each other to serve as a singlescreen, and wherein, when the display panels are joined to each other toserve as a single screen, the distance between the display panels isless than 3 mm and the distance between the input units is less than 3mm.
 2. The portable display device according to claim 1, wherein thepanel housings are capable of being folded and unfolded.
 3. The portabledisplay device according to claim 1, wherein the panel housings areunfolded from a folded state.
 4. The portable display device accordingto claim 1, further comprising a terminal are capable of performing anear field communication.